Vol. 473 No. 5
94 Mr. Martin asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he intends to take to improve conditions at the Accident and Emergency Unit at Cork University Hospital; if he will make funds available to ensure that such improvements take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1955/97]
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, a working group on the reorganisation of accident and emergency services in Cork was established by the Southern Health Board in May 1995 to review the organisation and delivery of accident and emergency services in Cork. The group met on a number of occasions under the chairmanship of Mr. Stephen Cusack, accident and emergency consultant at Cork University Hospital. The group completed its report in March 1996 and I understand that its recommendations have been endorsed by the Southern Health Board, subject to a small number of modifications. A copy of the report was forwarded for consideration within my Department at the end of last year.
Preliminary discussions have already taken place between officials of my Department and the Southern Health Board, to clarify the resource implications, priorities and time scale involved. I am anxious to discuss these issues further with the board in the context of its 1997 budget and service plan. These meetings will be taking place over the coming weeks.
